Letter: Toddler could have died

Last Friday my 18-month- old son was accidently locked into our vehicle, strapped into his car seat, on a day that was in the mid- to high-80s. With no spare key available, 911 was called.

After that call was made a family member was driving by and was able to jimmy the door open. Almost 20 minutes after the 911 call was made, the Oneida Castle VFD showed up.

Because it was such a warm day, a young child was involved and it seemed like an extensive amount of time for help to arrive, we went to Troop D to question this. We were told at the front desk to call the 911 center.

In speaking with 911 Supervisor Kevin Revere, he stated that because we live ‘on the cusp’ of two counties, there is a problem with the jurisdiction who responds. He stated that the city police would never respond (understandable, we do not live in the city) and that a trooper was responding, but was sent back.

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The call was made to 911 at 10:21 a.m., dispatched at 10:26 a.m. and responded at 10:35 a.m.

We live in Oneida Castle, right on the edge of Madison and Oneida counties. Less than three miles from Troop D headquarters, which services both Madison and Oneida counties, among others. My question is why wouldn’t the State Police respond in an emergency? Why would waiting for volunteer firemen in the middle of the day on a Friday, with most members holding regular jobs, seem like the right choice?